Disposable plastic plate collections are frequently put up for sale at party events and Street Food stalls because they’re affordable and simple. There are people who just don’t realize these plates can release harmful microplastics when hot food is placed on them.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that measure less than 5 mm in size. They can be generated from brokened down plastic waste and everyday things like packaging and containers. Microplastics that are in contact with our food will get inside our body.
When hot food is served in a disposable plastic plate, the heat causes plastic to break down. When exposed to high temperatures, some plastics, especially polystyrene and the poor standard plastics are found to release microplastics and chemicals. The longer it is served the more particles are released.
We are still investigating the full impact of microplastics on human health. Nevertheless, at initial trials, microplastics seem to be powerful enough to cause:
- Cause inflammation in the body
- Disrupt hormones (endocrine system)
- Carry harmful chemicals that increase cancer risk
The exact danger is still being researched and we can rest assured that constant exposure to microplastics is not safe.
To lower the risk, we can choose safer options for serving hot food:
- Stainless steel plates and they last for years: durable and reusable
- Ceramic or glass plates which are heat-resistant
- Biodegradable plates made from leaves, bamboo or paper are more environmentally friendly and better for health.
Plastic plates may look harmless to consumers but microplastics can build up with them in hot food and cause them to release when you cook it. They’re not good for our health and in the long run it’s safe in that we can save lives and reduce plastic pollution together. If you eat with plastic plates and then next time you are in the market don’t be caught by your mistake.
